Heroism

What makes a hero and how one becomes a hero is one of the key themes in the novel. The main character, Rincewind, is far from what would traditionally be considered a hero. Rincewind is not a full-fledged wizard, nor does he have any inclination toward being one. He is reluctant to help others if it means that his life will be endangered. As a result, each time Rincewind is in a dangerous situation, he reacts very selfishly.

Throughout the course of the novel, Rincewind meets several characters who show him what it takes to be a hero. Hrun the Barbarian has all the traits that Rincewind ascribes to a hero: courageousness, selfishness, and stupidity. Hrun does have a code of ethics, however, as illustrated by his refusal to kill Lio!rt and Liartes when they are lying unconscious. While Hrun may not be the most moral person...